Most records used in English research are in English. They may, however, be difficult to read because of the use of Latin words or different handwriting styles or because of changes in the spelling or meaning of words.

Contents

Official Language

Medieval Latin became the official language used in documents In England from the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Some informal documents were written in English from as early as the 15th century.

During the Protectorate, by a statute of 22 November 1650, English replaced Latin.

With the Restoration in 1660, Latin once again became the official language to be used in documents, however, many documents were written in English.

By an Act of Parliament (4 George II, c.26) English replaced Latin to record all official information from Lady Day, 25 March 1733. Although this Act was later repealed this did not revive Latin.[1]

Palaeography

Handwriting styles have changed over time. In early records the handwriting is quite different from what it is today. You may want to study some of the sources available for help in reading the old handwriting.

McLaughlin, Eve. Reading Old Handwriting. Second Edition. Birmingham, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Limited, 1987. (FHL book 417.7 M222. BYU Family History Library book Z 115 .M35x 2007.) This is a basic explanation of techniques for reading old handwriting.

Language Aids

Until 1733 many records were kept in Latin. Sometimes records written in English contain some Latin words. Knowing some Latin will help you read these records. For help with Latin words, see the Latin Genealogical Word List.

Books

Ainsworth, Robert. Thesaurus Linguae Latinae Compendiarius. London, England: F. Westly and A.H. Davis, 1836. (FHL book 473 Ai65a 1836; film 599788. Available in the BYU Harold B Lee Library as an online resource.) This is a Latin dictionary. Most libraries have similar works.

Parker, John. Reading Latin Epitaphs: A Handbook for Beginners selected from West Country Churches. Exeter, England: The Exeter Press, Ltd. 2008. Good introductory Latin grammar for translating phrases, with 52 epitaphs that build upon each other from simple to more complex. Very practical way to learn.

References

↑J.H. Baker, "The Three Languages of the Common Law", (1998) 43 McGill L.J. 5